Final Predictions for Every MLB Team's Opening Day 25-Man Roster

Final Predictions for Every MLB Team's Opening Day 25-Man Roster

Back in mid-February, I wrote an article in which I projected each MLB team's final 25-man roster for Opening Day.

With just a week before the start of the 2013 season, it's time to take a look once again.

Since spring training started, injuries, poor performance and other factors have altered roster decisions. Players who were thought to be roster locks are now looking at stints on the disabled list, trips to the minors or simply an outright release.

We'll take a look back at the original projections made in mid-February and make a final determination for each MLB team's Opening Day roster.

C Wil Nieves 3B Eric Chavez OF Eric Hinske OF Adam Eaton—Replaced by CF A.J. Pollock IF John McDonald—Replaced by IF Willie Bloomquist

Changes to 25-Man Roster

Rotation: Randall Delgado may have overtaken Patrick Corbin in the past couple of weeks for the fifth and final spot in the rotation. Corbin is still in the running, giving up just two runs on three hits on Friday against the Cleveland Indians to drop his spring ERA to 3.66.

Delgado, however, worked five strong innings on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up two runs on six hits in five innings. Delgado will get another start over the weekend.

Lineup: I had originally listed Gerardo Parra as the starting center fielder. However, Adam Eaton was on the verge of winning the job outright when he was felled by a strained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, meaning he'll be sidelined for at least six weeks.

In addition, Cody Ross' strained calf has kept him out of action since March 3, meaning that Parra will move to right field for Opening Day, with A.J. Pollock starting in left field. Martin Prado could also see time in the outfield, with Eric Chavez filling in at third.

Bullpen: It appears that Josh Collmenter may have the upper hand for the last remaining spot in the bullpen instead of Delgado. Collmenter worked three scoreless innings on Friday, limiting the Indians to three hits. His spring ERA sat at 2.57 after that effort.

Bench: Scratch John McDonald off the list. He was dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates last week. Willie Bloomquist has a firm hold on McDonald's spot. Eaton will start the year on the disabled list, creating a roster spot for A.J. Pollock. Pollock could be starting in center field if Ross' strained calf hasn't properly healed in time.

Wil Nieves and Rod Barajas have had a nice battle for the backup catcher's position, with Nieves hitting .333 as of Saturday and Barajas .290. For now, I give the nod to Nieves.

Lineup: The battle for third base between Chris Johnson and Juan Francisco is still too close to call. Braves manager Fred Gonzalez indicated on Thursday that he would be open to a platoon.

“I think both of those guys are playing such great baseball right now,” Gonzalez told David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “so it would be unfair to say (to one of them) you’re the starter.”

Bullpen: Cory Gearrin has been assured of a spot, but Cristhian Martinez is one of four pitchers still vying for the final bullpen slot. Anthony Varvaro, David Carpenter and Wirfin Obispo are the other three candidates. Varvaro and Martinez would have to be passed through waivers, given that they're out of minor league options.

Martinez has struggled with a 6.48 ERA in six spring outings. Varvaro hsa a 4.50 ERA in 10 appearances. Carpenter is likely out with a 12.96 ERA in seven outings, and Obispo has a spotless ERA in four appearances but has only thrown three innings in his four outings.

Bullpen Projection: Walden starts the season on the DL, Martinez and Obispo are in.

Bench: Evan Gattis has earned the backup catching spot with a .391 average, four home runs and 13 RBI entering play on Saturday. He'll get the nod over Matt Pagnozzi. Ramiro Pena could get the nod over Tyler Pastornicky for the other reserve infield spot, giving Pastornicky the chance to get regular at-bats in the minors.

Starting Rotation: The top four remain in place, but Jair Jurrjens is competing with Steve Johnson, Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton and Brian Matusz for the final spot. Jurrjens tossed five scoreless innings on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing just two hits. After a very shaky spring start, Jurrjens has now thrown eight consecutive scoreless innings.

Arrieta could have the inside track, however. He threw six crisp innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, allowing six hits and striking out nine. The effort dropped his spring ERA to 1.56.

At this point it looks like Arrieta.

Lineup: Nick Markakis was cleared to resume baseball activities on Thursday after sitting out three weeks with a herniated disk in his neck. It's presumed that Markakis will have enough time to get ready for Opening Day. Nolan Reimold returned to left field last week after being limited with shoulder soreness. He will likely platoon with Nate McLouth and get at-bats as a DH as well.

Bullpen: It could be that T.J. McFarland grabs a spot over Brian Matusz. McFarland has a 3.09 ERA in seven appearances. Hunter could also land one of the final two bullpen slots, especially considering he's out of options and the O's would be loath to lose him on waivers.

Bench: Danny Valencia has already been sent down to Triple-A Norfolk, which could pave the way for Steve Pearce to grab the remaining bench spot. Pearce is hitting .375 and leads the Orioles with five home runs and 13 RBI.

Starting Rotation: No changes, the rotation has essentially been set since the beginning of spring training. Lackey looked strong in his last outing against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, allowing just one run on four hits in five innings. He appears to be feeling no ill effects in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Lineup: Stephen Drew will start the season on the DL as he continues to recover from concussion symptoms, with Jose Iglesias stepping in.

David Ortiz also will start the season on the disabled list as he continues to recover from inflammation in his heels. Red Sox manager John Farrell indicated on Saturday that he'll use a rotation of hitters in the DH spot.

We feel like this will be a rotating thing rather than one person being the regular DH. It serves a couple of benefits. You’re looking for matchups; you’re looking for a day off their feet. I know it’s early in the season, we’ve got off days. The physical side of it might be less of importance. But there will be a number of things factored in when we slot in the DH on a given day.

Starting Rotation: Matt Garza is now pain-free after suffering a lat strain, but he is still a week or so away from throwing off a mound. He's likely out for at least the month of April. Wood will step in as the No. 5 starter in his absence. Travis Wood has been solid this spring, with a 3.00 ERA in his first four outings.

Lineup: The only change with be Luis Valbuena replacing Ian Stewart at third. Stewart has yet to play a Cactus League game and reinjured his quad running the bases in a minor league game in mid-March.

Bullpen: With Wood replacing Garza for now in the rotation, Hisanori Takahashi will take the lefty specialist role in the bullpen. Chris Rusin could also be an option, but the Cubs seem focused on keeping Rusin stretched out as a starter. He'll continue working at the Triple-A level.

Bench: With Stewart hurt, Valbuena will become the Cubs' starting third baseman, with Brent Lillibridge getting looks at third as well. Steve Clevenger has hit .361 this spring and shown the ability to cover first and third base as well as behind the plate.

C Hector Gimenez IF Angel Sanchez IF Brent Morel—Sent to minors, replaced by IF Conor Gilaspie OF DeWayne Wise

Changes to 25-Man Roster

Starting Rotation: John Danks' rough spring in his return from arthroscopic surgery last August will have him starting the season on the disabled list. Dylan Axelrod is the likely replacement, although there has yet to be 100 percent confirmation.

Starting Lineup: No changes.

Bullpen: Hector Santiago will lock down the final slot in the bullpen. Jesse Crain is scheduled to throw in a minor league game on Saturday and against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. If all goes well, Crain, who's been dealing with a sore adductor in his right hip, will likely be ready in time for Opening Day.

Bench: Brent Morel has already been sent down to Triple-A Charlotte, meaning that the final infield reserve role is a battle between Angel Sanchez, Steve Tolleson and Josh Bell. The White Sox would have to send Sanchez—a Rule 5 pickup—back to the Los Angeles Angels if he fails to make the 25-man roster.

As of Saturday, Sanchez was hitting .321, while both Tolleson and Bell are hitting .333. A fierce battle, indeed.

Starting Rotation: The Reds flip-flopped once again for the second straight spring. Aroldis Chapman will return to the bullpen as the primary closer. Mike Leake will take his spot in the rotation.

Lineup: No changes. Shin-Soo Choo has been battling back spasms but was expected back in the lineup on Saturday.

Bullpen: With J.J. Hoover striking out 14 batters against just one walk in eight innings of work as of Saturday, he has earned a bullpen slot.

Bench: Jason Donald and Cesar Izturis are in a fierce battle for the final infield reserve spot. Donald was hitting .303 as of Saturday, with Izturis just a tick behind at .302. I still like Donald to fill the role.

Starting Rotation: Prospect Trevor Bauer was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, paving the way for Scott Kazmir to make his return to the majors after a two-year absence. Kazmir is still in a battle with Carlos Carrasco, who gave up four runs on eight hits in five innings to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.

Kazmir will start against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday. For now, the edge goes to Kazmir.

Lineup: Nick Swisher switches to first base, with Drew Stubbs replacing him in right field. Mark Reynolds moves from first to DH. This is a lineup that gives manager Terry Francona plenty of versatility, especially with the versatile Aviles.

Bullpen: Chris Perez was scheduled to throw in a minor league game on Saturday. It's still unclear if he'll be ready in time for Opening Day. If not, Vinnie Pestano will assume temporary duties as the closer. Rich Hill has been outstanding, giving up just one unearned run in 7.2 innings over eight games. Bryan Shaw has been impressive as well, giving up just one run on six hits and striking out 12 over eight innings.

If I'm Francona, Shaw and Hill have earned their spots this spring.

Bench: Mike Aviles becomes the main utility man off the bench. It's a shame the Tribe couldn't make room for Cord Phelps—he has raked this spring, with a .364 average, two home runs, five RBI and four doubles. But with Cleveland carrying 12 or possibly 13 pitchers, there likely isn't a spot available.

Starting Rotation: Drew Pomeranz's main competition for the final rotation spot appears to be Christian Friedrich, who made his first start of the spring on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Friedrich gave up four runs on five hits in three innings. Friedrich could simply run out of time in his attempt to land a rotation spot.

On Sunday, the Denver Post reported that the Rockies were near a deal to sign Jon Garland, who was released by the Seattle Mariners. Garland hasn't pitched since 2011 but posted a solid 2.25 ERA with Seattle this spring. Garland will give the Rockies much-needed depth in a shaky rotation.

Lineup: Eric Young could get more starts against left-handed pitching, taking over in right field while Michael Cuddyer switches to first to replace Todd Helton. There is also the possibility that Nolan Arenado could still overtake Chris Nelson at third base. As of Saturday, Nelson was hitting just .222, and Arenado was hitting .325, with four home runs and 12 RBI. That decision could be made by the end of the week.

Bullpen: Chris Volstad has been terrific, posting a 2.00 ERA and no walks in nine innings. He could become the long relief option in place of the struggling Tyler Chatwood. Edgmer Escalona has been just nasty all spring, with nine strikeouts and no walks in seven innings, posting a 1.29 ERA. He's my choice over Ada, Ottavino. In addition, Escalona is out of options, and the Rockies likely don't want to lose him on the waiver wire.

Bench: Ramon Hernandez is in a battle with former Rockie and good friend Yorvit Torrealba for the backup catching job Regardless of who wins or loses, they'll both find work, if not with the Rockies.

It's unlikely that Arenado would sit on the bench for the Rockies to start the season if he doesn't win the third base job outright.

Starting Rotation: With Rick Porcello's spring performance as of Saturday (3-1, 2.50 ERA, 18 strikeouts, no walks), he has likely solidified the final spot in the rotation, with Smyly in the bullpen.

Lineup: No changes.

Bullpen: As of right now, only three bullpen spots have been locked down—Joaquin Benoit, Octavio Dotel, Phil Coke—with as many as seven candidates fighting for the last four spots. Al Alburquerque, Brayan Villarreal, Luis Marte, Bruce Rondon, Luke Putkonen, Darin Downs and Kyle Lobstein are all in the mix.

Rondon could have a bead on the closer's role with his impressive outings of late. Downs has been filthy all spring, giving up just one run on nine hits and striking out 13 over 12.1 innings. I believe Downs and Rondon both lock down spots, along with Brayan Villareal and Drew Smyly as the long relief/spot starter option.

Bench: Avisail Garcia bruised his heel last week and just came off crutches on Saturday. He'll likely start the season in the minors. Matt Tuiasosopo was hitting .318 as of Saturday, with four home runs and 10 RBI.

Starting Rotation: Astros manager Bo Porter has already announced that Bud Norris, Lucas Harrell and Phil Humber will start the first series of the season against the Texas Rangers. Erik Bedard recently threw four innings in a minor league game, likely locking down the No. 4 spot.

Alex White also looked sharp in allowing three runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings against the New York Mets on Wednesday. He could have a slight edge over Brad Peacock for the final rotation spot.

Lineup: The only likely change is Rick Ankiel, whose hot spring has likely landed him the starting job in right field. Ankiel is hitting .395, with three home runs and six RBI through Saturday.

Bullpen: All in all, maybe none of the Astros' bullpen candidates pitched quite well this spring. Sam Demel and John Ely were both sent to the minors last week, paving the way for Chia-Jen Lo and Jose Valdez to possibly secure two of the remaining bullpen spots. Rule 5 pickup Josh Fields may have also earned a spot with a solid spring as well.

Bench: With Rule 5 pickup Nate Frieman being selected off waivers by the Oakland A's, it may have cleared the way for Brandon Laird to pick up a bench spot. Laird has hit .319, with five home runs and 12 RBI this spring.

The battle between Fernando and J.D. Martinez for the fourth outfield spot will be a tough one. Fernando may just barely edge out J.D.

On Sunday, the Astros acquired Ronny Cedeno, who had been released last week by the St. Louis Cardinals. With the signing, the Astros informed Tyler Greene that he was no longer needed.

C George Kottaras 2B Johnny Giavotella—Optioned to minors, replaced by IF Miguel Tejada IF Elliot Johnson OF Jarrod Dyson

Changes to 25-Man Roster

Starting Rotation: No changes.

Lineup: No changes.

Bullpen: No changes, although it's possible that J.C. Gutierrez could beat out Francisley Bueno simply because Gutierrez is out of options. Bueno has outpitched Gutierrez, but options play a huge role in roster decisions.

Bench: Miguel Tejada has earned a spot, both with his work in the WBC and in Royals camp. He'll beat out Irving Falu for the final roster opening.

Bullpen: With Ryan Madson still recovering from Tommy John surgery and no timetable set for his return, Ernesto Frieri goes back into the closer's role. Both Jerome Williams and Garrett Richards will likely assume middle/long relief and serve as protection for the rotation. David Carpenter has had one bad outing that inflated his 3.86 ERA. He's been unscored upon in nine of his spring outings.

Bench: With Bill Hall given his release on Friday, Luis Jimenez could be in line to grab the last roster spot. Jimenez has hit .275 and has worked at first base to add versatility. It's his bat that wins him the spot, however.

The trade of Vernon Wells to the Yankees could open up the fourth outfielder spot to Kole Calhoun. The deal isn't quite official yet, but it could be a big break for Calhoun.

Starting Rotation: Chad Billingsley's elbow has not been an issue this spring. Although he has recently dealt with a finger issue, it isn't likely to keep him out of the rotation.

Lineup: With Hanley Ramirez's thumb injury landing him on the DL, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly is leaning toward moving Luis Cruz to shortstop and going with the trio of Juan Uribe, Nick Punto and Jerry Hairston at third.

Bullpen: I just don't see the Dodgers carrying extra starters in the bullpen. GM Ned Colletti could look to deal both Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano. Ted Lilly will start the season on the DL, meaning that Shawn Tolleson and Kevin Gregg make the team.

That's my opinion, for what it's worth.

Bench: No change. In fact, with Ramirez's injury, one more player can be added to the bunch, and Elian Herrera deserves the spot. He's hit .341 thus far and can play the outfield as well as second and third base.

Starting Rotation: It would be difficult to see Jacob Turner in the No. 5 role. His spring struggles continued on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings. Kevin Slowey has looked solid, posting a 2.63 ERA in his five spring outings. Turner could very well start the season at Triple-A and get a promotion either through attrition or his efforts.

Lineup: With Logan Morrison still recovering from knee surgery, Casey Kotchman clearly has the upper hand in landing the starting nod at first base. Kotchman has sizzled all spring, carrying a .457 average after action on Saturday.

Justin Ruggiano missed three weeks early in camp and is just starting to get untracked, hitting just .118. Chris Coglan and Gorkys Hernandez are his other competitors. But unless Ruggiano completely spits the bit in the final week of spring training, the job is likely his.

Bullpen: The Marlins' bullpen is still in flux heading into the last week. Chad Qualls stands a great chance at a spot, giving up just one unearned run on four hits in five spring innings. Zach Phillips, signed to a minor league contract over the winter, could well earn a spot as well.

Bench: Kyle Skipworth is the most likely option to back up Rob Brantly, with Jeff Mathis still on the mend. Chris Coghlan has had an excellent spring after years of disappointment with injuries that have partly derailed his career.

Wilson Valdez was signed to a minor league contract after being released by the San Francisco Giants last week. He could give Nick Green a run for his money for a reserve infield spot.

Lineup: The big changes come at first base. With Corey Hart already lost for at least the first month of the season, Mat Gamel was expected to step in after his recovery from a torn ACL that cut short his 2012 season.

But Gamel tore the same ACL early in spring, putting him out for another year. Now, slick-fielding shortstop Alex Gonzalez will step in until Hart is able to return. Gonzalez may not hit for average, but he still has a bit of power and should suffice at first for the time being.

Bullpen: Michael Olmsted, Brandon Kintzler, Donovan Hand, Alfredo Figaro and Josh Stinson are all vying for one spot in the bullpen. Hand has the upper hand—so to speak—with a spotless ERA, giving up just seven hits in 11 innings. Mark Rogers is out of options, so it could be assumed that he takes up the last bullpen spot.

Bench: Jeff Bianchi and Taylor Green are both trying to work their way back from injury. If they're both starting the seaon on the disabled list, there's a good chance that Donnie Murphy and Blake Lalli claim the remaining two bench spots.

Lalli has hit .317 this spring and has the ability to catch and play first base. Murphy has hit only .220, but he is valued for his versatility. Khris Davis has had a very impressive spring, hitting .319 with six homers and 14 RBI.

Starting Rotation: Scott Diamond will start the season on the disabled list as he continues his recovery from offseason surgery. Mike Pelfrey has looked strong in his return from Tommy John surgery—he'll start the season ahead of schedule.

Samuel Deduno's WBC performance put him squarely in the mix. However, a groin injury suffered in the WBC could slow him down. If Deduno is unable to go for the start of the season, P.J. Walters could get his shot to shine. Walters has thrown 10 scoreless innings, giving up just four hits. The six walks are a concern. Walters will have to improve his plate command.

Lineup: Jamey Carroll will move back to a utility role, a role familiar to him and one in which he excels.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Aaron Hicks appears to have won the center field job over Darin Mastroianni. Hicks has hit .304 with four home runs, 15 RBI and three stolen bases. He could be ticketed for the leadoff spot in the Twins' lineup.

Bullpen: Rule 5 pickup Ryan Pressly may have have secured a spot in the bullpen with a fabulous spring (0.82 ERA in eight appearances). Alex Burnett and Casey Fien both took a step toward a spot as well, with terrific performances on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bench: With Hicks winning the job in center field, Mastroianni becomes the fourth outfielder. Mastroianni has shined this spring with a .364 average, but Hicks could just be that rare talent that the Twins can build an outfield around.

Carroll returns to his role as the utility infielder, and manager Ron Gardenhire won't hesitate to insert him whenever needed.

Starting Rotation: With Johan Santana nowhere near ready to start the season, Jeremy Hefner will become the Mets' fifth starter. Hefner has been solid with a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

Lineup: Jordany Valdespin and Collin Cowgill replace Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter in the starting lineup. Nieuwenhuis is just coming back from a bruised knee and is still hitting just .053. He'll either hit the DL or the minors. Baxter is hitting just .162, and he will land a reserve spot simply because the Mets have no better options right now.

Bullpen: Greg Burke could have the lead in the final bullpen slot race, posting a 3.48 ERA in nine appearances with 14 strikeouts in 10.1 innings.

Bench: Baxter moves back to the bench and non-roster invitee Marlon Byrd solidifies a role as well, hitting .310 with four RBI this spring. Omar Quintanilla's versatility in the middle infielder secures his role.

C Chris Stewart UTIL Juan Rivera—Moves to first base, replaced by OF Ben Francisco IF Eduardo Nunez—Moves to starting shortstop, replaced by OF Brennan Boesch OF Matt Diaz—Released, replaced by IF Jayson Nix

Changes to 25-Man Roster

Starting Rotation: David Phelps will step in as the No. 5 starter until Phil Hughes can work out his back issues. A bulging disk could land Hughes on the DL to start the season.

Lineup:The trade on Sunday that brought Vernon Wells to the Yankees is still pending MLB approval. If the commissioner's office approves the deal on Monday, it's assumed that Wells would take over in left field with Suzuki staying in right.

It's also been reported that Derek Jeter could begin the season on the disabled list as his left ankle is still bothering him.

Juan Rivera will help in covering first base for the injured Mark Teixeira, and GM Brian Cashman could explore external candidates as more roster cuts are made in the next week.

Brett Gardner moves over to center in place of Curtis Granderson while Ichiro Suzuki moves to left field. For now, it appears that Brennan Boesch is the answer in right field.

Bullpen: Vidal Nuno pitched in an independent league last season, but he has been outstanding for the Yankees this spring, posting an 0.68 ERA in five outings, striking out 13 batters in 13.1 innings.

Jim Miller takes over for Clay Rapada, who starts the season on the DL. Miller has been impressive as well, with a 1.93 ERA in eight spring appearances.

Bench: Ben Francisco appears to be the choice for fourth outfielder, hitting .300 with two home runs and six RBI. Diaz was released last week.

Jayson Nix takes the final infield slot, and Eduardo Nunez could be the starting shortstop if Jeter's ankle fails to heal properly in time for Opening Day.

Boesch could land the final spot on the roster if Jeter ends up on the disabled list as well.

Starting Rotation: Dan Straily takes over temporarily for Bartolo Colon while he serves the remaining five games of his suspension.

Lineup: Eric Sogard may have played himself into the Opening Day lineup, hitting a sizzling .538 as of Sunday morning. Josh Donaldson has heated up after a rough start. He's hitting .233 with two home runs and eight RBI.

Jed Lowrie is hitting .308 to Hiroyuki Nakajima's .162. Manager Bob Melvin would likely prefer Lowrie's potent bat in the lineup as much as possible.

Bullpen: Grant Balfour is way ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He's on track for Opening Day, pushing Ryan Cook back to the setup role. Travis Blackley's ugly 14.34 ERA has him on the outside looking in. Pedro Figueroa could snatch up the last spot.

Hideki Okajima hasn't exactly shined, posting a 5.87 ERA in seven outings. Chris Resop and his spotless ERA through seven outings may have secured himself a spot as well.

Bench: Derek Norris will platoon with John Jaso. Norris hit .375 with four home runs and eight RBI through Saturday. The A's could be better served right now with Hiroyuki Nakajima and Scott Sizemore moving to Triple-A to hone their swings, giving Adam Rosales the open utility infield slot.

Daric Barton simply hasn't done enough to warrant a roster spot, but Andy Parrino has hit .387 with one home run and nine RBI through Saturday. Parrino's versatility is a plus over Barton, who can only play first, as well.

C Humberto Quintero OF Laynce Nix—Platoons in left field with MayberryINF Kevin FrandsenINF Freddy GalvisOF John MayberryOF Ender Inciarte

Changes to 25-Man Roster

Starting Rotation: No changes.

Lineup: Darin Ruf slugged a walk-off home run and his reward was demotion to Triple-A. Ruf was sent to Lehigh Valley on Saturday, presumably to work on his defense in left field. Laynce Nix and John Mayberry will likely share time for now in left field. Domonic Brown will stay in right field until Delmon Young returns to the lineup.

Bullpen: Phillipe Aumont has simply outpitched Mike Stutes this spring. Aumont has a 3.38 ERA in five outings, while Stutes has struggled with a 9.35 ERA and seven walks in 8.2 innings.

Bench: Ender Inciarte has been impressive all spring. With Michael Young likely out for a few weeks, it gives Incarte a roster spot for now. Whether he can keep it remains to be seen, but he deserves the promotion.

Starting Rotation: Jeff Karstens was scratched from a start on Sunday with shoulder discomfort and will now likely start the season on the disabled list. He'll be replaced by Jeff Locke, who has posted a 3.38 ERA in six outings.

Jonathan Sanchez will get a look as the fifth starter, but the nine walks in his 13.1 innings are a concern. That's nothing new. Plate command has always been an issue for Sanchez. Kyle McPherson's 8.31 ERA hasn't done him any favors this spring.

Lineup: No changes, although Garrett Jones could platoon in right field with Travis Snider, giving Gaby Sanchez opportunities at first.

Bullpen: Ryan Reid has been outstanding this spring with seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out six. Considering that no one else has stepped up, Reid deserves a shot.

Bench: With the Pirates acquiring John McDonald last week from the Arizona Diamondbacks, it likely means that either Josh Harrison or Brandon Inge will not make the Opening Day roster. I'm leaning toward Harrison being the victim.

Starting Rotation: With Andrew Cashner working to build up stamina and Tim Stauffer still working his way back from elbow surgery, Tyson Ross could land the final rotation spot. He's pitched 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings and carries a 2.57 spring ERA.

Lineup: Carlos Quentin has tested his knee in four minor league games within the last eight days. Despite not appearing in a Cactus League game, he could still be a go for Opening Day.

Chase Headley's injury means that Logan Forsythe gets the nod at third, if the plantar fasciitis in his right foot doesn't continue to flare up before Opening Day. If it does, Alexi Amarista could find himself at third to open the season.

Starting Rotation: No changes. However, Tim Lincecum has continued to struggle this spring, giving up five runs in three-plus innings to Oakland on Saturday. His spring ERA now sits at 10.97, with one exhibition start remaining.

Rotation depth is an issue. Yusmeiro Petit has looked awful with a 9.35 ERA, Eric Surkamp is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and Chris Heston has delivered a 9.28 ERA and surrendered four home runs in Cactus League play.

Chad Gaudin could make the team in a long-relief role and can provide spot starts when needed.

Lineup: Pablo Sandoval's right elbow could land him on the disabled list. He was shut down from throwing on Saturday after soreness in his elbow persisted. If he needs a DL stint, manager Bruce Bochy will likely insert Joaquin Arias at third.

Bullpen: Ramon Ramirez, hoping for a second chance with the Giants, was released last week. Gaudin seems a lock to win the final spot.

Bench: Brett Pill had surgery three weeks ago to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, keeping him out for at least the first two weeks of the season. With Tony Abreu still recovering from an injured knee, Nick Noonan will likely get the remaining utility infield spot. Cole Gillespie has been solid, hitting .271 with two home runs and eight RBI.

Starting Rotation: It might be a stretch to consider Brandon Mauer a starter, considering he's never pitched past the Double-A level. But the numbers this spring (1.20 ERA, 15 strikeouts in 15 innings) suggest he's ready to make the jump. Blake Beavan has looked very pedestrian with a 6.52 ERA.

Lineup: No changes.

Bullpen: With Josh Kinney's bizarre rib injury to his left side shutting him down, Kameron Loe has earned a bullpen spot. Loe has posted a solid 2.25 ERA in seven outings with 12 strikeouts in eight innings.

Lineup: Pete Kozma will get a chance to show his stuff full time with Furcal going under the knife for Tommy John surgery. Matt Carpenter takes over at second as he's proven he can handle the position defensively.

Bullpen: With Jason Motte shelved for a short period of time with a mild right elbow strain, Mitchell Boggs will move into his role. Joe Kelly, who has valiantly battled Shelby Miller for the fifth and final rotation spot, could be the final piece in the bullpen with a long/middle relief role.

Bench: Carpenter and Daniel Descalso simply flip-flop. Delscalso will likely see time at both middle-infield positions.

Releasing Cedeno opened up a spot for Matt Adams, who will provide protection for Allen Craig at first. Adams also gives manager Mike Matheny a power-hitting left-handed hitter off the bench.

Starting Rotation: With Martin Perez out with a broken forearm, the Rangers will turn to Nick Tepesch—for now. The Rangers also have Derek Lowe quickly ramping up, already throwing 60 pitches an outing. He may be ready by the time the Rangers need a fifth starter.

Lineup: No changes.

Bullpen: Nate Robertson is working diligently to win a bullpen slot, posting a spotless ERA and allowing just three hits in 10 innings. Here's guessing his work pays off.

Joe Ortiz has been outstanding as well, giving up just one run on six hits in 10 innings with 10 strikeouts.

Lineup: No changes, although manager John Gibbons will not hesitate to use Maicer Izturis in a platoon with Emilio Bonifacio at second.

Bullpen: Casey Janssen is still not a given to be ready by Opening Day, but he will be the closer nonetheless. Aaron Loup has earned the role as the second lefty specialist, and if J.A. Happ doesn't beat Ricky Romero outright for the fifth and final rotation spot, he could end in the minors as protection for the rotation, and specifically for Romero.

Bullpen: No changes. The Nationals did sign J.C. Romero, who will start the season in the minors and be available should the Nats require his services. Bill Bray is still working out mechanical issuesl, and he can be kept in the minors as well. Bray has an opt-out clause that doesn't kick in until June.

Bench: Kurt Suzuki will likely share time behind the plate with Wilson Ramos while he continues to recover from knee surgery that cut short his 2012 season.